Southampton Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
12-6.3 General
design regulations.
[Amended 2-20-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-01]
a.
These design standards shall supersede any of the other design regulations within the Township Land Development Ordinance as they apply to the TC and TC1 zoning districts only and shall be the design basis for the lands within the TC and TC1 zoning district. Whenever other provisions of this chapter or other Township ordinances or regulations impose different standards and requirements than those contained herein, the provisions of this section shall apply.
b.
Any applicant seeking to develop properties located within the TC1 zoning districts shall be required per N.J.A.C. 40:55D-45 to provide a general development plan which shall be subject to review and approval by the Township Land Development Board. The purpose of the general development plan shall be to establish parameters within which permitted housing stock shall be constructed in conjunction with the construction of retail/office uses, open space dedications and other residential construction within the TC1 zoning district. For the purposes of this section, the general development plan shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Township Land Development Ordinance as modified by this section and per N.J.A.C. 40:55D-45.2. The general development plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1.
General Land Use Plan;
2.
Circulation Plan;
3.
Open Space Plan;
4.
Utility Plan;
5.
Stormwater Management Plan;
6.
Environmental Inventory;
7.
Community Facility Plan;
8.
Housing Plan;
9.
Local Service Plan;
10.
Fiscal Report;
11.
Historic Preservation Plan;
12.
Phasing/timing schedule.
The developer is encouraged to submit a sketch plan of the general development plan for the review and comment of the Land Development Board prior to the submission of the general development plan. Included in this plan shall be a block plan indicating the block layout and block types proposed and a public space plan indicating the layout and types of open space and streets proposed. |
c.
Prior to approval of the general development plan, the Land Development Board shall find and consider the following:
1.
That departures by the proposed development from zoning regulations otherwise applicable to the TC1 zoning districts conform to the zoning ordinance standards pursuant N.J.A.C. 40:55D-65;
2.
That the proposals for maintenance and conservation of the common open space are reliable, and the amount, location and purpose of the common open space are adequate;
3.
That provision through the physical design of the proposed development for public services, control over vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and the amenities of light and air, recreation and visual enjoyment are adequate;
4.
That the proposed planned development will not have an unreasonably adverse impact upon the area in which it is proposed to be established;
5.
In the case of a proposed development which contemplates construction over a period of years, that the terms and conditions intended to protect the interests of the public and of the residents, occupants and owners of the proposed development in the total completion of the development are adequate.
d.
The development standards contained herein are both written and illustrated. The illustrations and written text are intended to be complementary and wherever an apparent inconsistency exists an applicant may apply to the Land Development Board for an interpretation of the ordinance regarding such standard.
e.
Any application seeking a deviation from the provisions of this chapter relating to the design standards, the percentage or types of dwelling units or the amount of commercial development measured in floor area, shall be treated as permitted uses which may be subject to conditions at the time of approval by the Township Land Development Board.
f.
Proposed deviations shall be reviewed and approved or denied by the Land Development Board based upon the following criteria:
1.
The design and deviation shall be in harmony with the purpose and intent of this section.
2.
The design and deviation shall generally enhance the street and/or building regulating standards, or in any case, not have an adverse impact on its physical, visual, or spatial characteristics.
3.
The design and improvements shall generally enhance the streetscape and neighborhood, or in any case not have an adverse impact on the streetscape and neighborhood.
4.
The modification shall not result in configurations of lots or street systems which are impractical or detract from the appearance of the development.
5.
The proposed modification shall not result in any danger to the public health, safety, or welfare by making access to the dwellings by emergency vehicles more difficult, by depriving adjoining properties of adequate light and air, or by violating the other purposes for which zoning ordinances are to be enacted.
6.
Landscaping and other methods shall be used to insure compliance with the design standards and guidelines of this section.
7.
The applicant shall demonstrate that the proposed modification will allow for equal or better results and represents the minimum modification necessary.
8.
In the event of the granting of a deviation, the Land Development Board may impose such conditions it deems necessary to permit the deviation while insuring the integrity of the TC and TCI zone districts.